Dustin Johnson sends warning to Rory McIlroy despite LIV golfer slipping to World No.231

He’s ready to end McIlroy’s quest ⚔⛳

Dustin Johnson has enjoyed a positive start to his LIV Golf season with success in Las Vegas as he looks to build towards the first major of the year – the Masters

Dustin Johnson has put PGA Tour rivals such as Rory McIlroy on notice after winning the LIV Las Vegas trophy last weekend.

The American battled the chilly conditions in Sin City to win by one shot ahead of Peter Uihlein and Talor Gooch. Despite his success, the 39-year-old has fallen to 231 in the world rankings because those who play on the LIV circuit are not awarded ranking points.

But this seems to be the least of Johnson’s worries as he aims to build on his momentum over the next two months heading into the Masters. “Last year I didn’t play very well, to be honest, but it kind of goes with how much effort that goes into it too,” Johnson, who won the Masters in 2020, told reporters after his latest victory.

“Obviously I could have worked a lot harder than I did. This year, I’ve got a little more drive and determination. I don’t enjoy not playing well. I enjoy playing well and being up here and talking to you guys after the weeks over and holding up the trophy.”

Johnson began with a birdie on the par-five in Las Vegas but found himself needing to catch up after producing bogeys on the sixth ninth and 11th holes. The former PGA World No. 1 then battled back with birdies at the 13th, 15th and 17th holes, before making a 12-foot shot that led to his closing par on the 18th for victory.

hat victory means the golf star has claimed a title in each of his first three seasons in LIV. It started by taking the playoffs in Boston in September 2022 before winning in Tulsa, Oklahoma in May 2023.

Johnson is gunning for another Masters win and the chance to wear the Green Jacket once again. Despite his LIV status, the 24-time PGA Tour winner will qualify for all four majors this year courtesy of his triumph in Augusta four years ago. Players qualify for every major for the next five years if they win one of golf’s four big titles.